The Soldati General (Soldati Hearts #3) - Charlie Cochet

Chapter One

“I can’t believe you’re going through with this.”

Ezra sat in quiet observation as his prince paced the study. He hadn’t seen His Highness so unsettled, but then Riley Murrough had been human once and quite prone to fretting. It took time for Riley to grow into his role as the Soldati Prince, but once he’d embraced it—truly accepted his destiny—it became apparent to all that the young man would be as great a ruler as their king. Riley was a kindhearted soul, yet fierce when the occasion called for it. Ezra understood why his prince was upset. Riley had lost his heart to his mate quite some time ago.

“My love, this is your first Soldati Summer Solstice Festival,” Khalon replied, rounding his desk to step before Riley and halting his pacing. He pulled Riley into his arms and lifted his chin so their eyes could meet. “I want you to enjoy yourself.”

Riley let out a huff. “How can I enjoy myself when it’ll be the full moon?”

Khalon’s expression softened, and Ezra frowned down at the open letters on his lap. He hadn’t been able to concentrate on a single word since Riley interrupted his council with Khalon, upset that Khalon had not cancelled the festivities, which were due to start in less than a week’s time. Royal guests would arrive as early as this evening.

Logically, Riley’s argument was sound. Every full moon, Khalon lived as a mortal man, unable to shift into his great Soldati tiger form, making him susceptible to wounds, pain, and human frailty. This was the price he paid to have Riley returned to him by the great priestess after Riley sacrificed himself for Khalon and the Soldati. As it happened, this year’s Soldati Summer Solstice Festival fell on such a full moon, meaning the castle grounds and their kingdom would be filled with all manner of creatures from various realms. This in turn made Khalon’s argument sound, as he now reminded his prince.

“This festival is more than a few days of revelries. Not only is it part of our heritage, but it’s important to our citizens. It allows them the opportunity to spend time with their monarchy and those who protect their world, to feel connected to the Soldati and rejoice with us. It invites them to celebrate our realm and all it has accomplished. It’s also the largest festival of the year. The villagers count on it to sell their goods.”

“I get that,” Riley said. “But you have enemies out there, waiting for the perfect opportunity to pounce. Queen Verity confirmed it. There are Orso hidden within her kingdom who are still secretly loyal to that bastard Pavoni.”

“Love, you know I’m well aware of this threat. We suspected as much after Pavoni’s death, remember? Which is why Queen Verity allowed our spies to roam her kingdom in search of these traitors.”

“Yes, but they still haven’t all been found.”

“They will be,” Khalon assured him. “Besides, you are Saugur. Should our lives be in danger, you’ll be the first to know.”

Khalon spoke the truth. Riley was not only a Soldati prince, but the only living Saugur— a Soldati prophet, a rarity among their kind. Any threat to their realm or the human world they kept safe from demons would be seen by Riley.

“Trust in me.” Khalon placed a kiss on Riley’s brow. “I’d never allow any harm to befall you.” He brushed his lips over Riley’s. “I love you, and I’ll do everything in my power to protect what we’ve built together.”

“I love you too,” Riley murmured, wrapping his arms around Khalon’s neck. “And I trust you.”

The two kissed in a passionate embrace, their love for each other evident in their growing desire. Ezra dropped his gaze to the letters in his hand. Outside of Rayner and his foxling mate, Ezra had never seen mates possess such need for each other. He wasn’t quite sure what to do with it. Having a mate was something he did his best not to think about. No sense wasting precious time on something he was not destined for. As far as Soldati went, Ezra was considered somewhat of a paradox, and he’d resigned himself to an immortal life without a mate. Not that he’d ever secretly desired one. He was far too scholarly for such fairy tales.

This had to be the longest kiss in the history of kisses. Were they even breathing? They had yet to come up for air. Oh dear. Now they were moaning. It wasn’t his place